Woman takes $3,600 in rent for Lansdale house she doesn't own, police say

A Lansdale woman early this year arranged to rent out a borough home for her daughter and paid $3,600 for rent and a security deposit, but according to police, the person she paid didn't own the house.

The woman who claimed to own the 53 Green St. home identified herself as Danna McKellar, a physician and faculty member at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Lansdale police said.

On Wednesday, police said their investigation has determined that "Dr. McKellar" really is Danna Ntaka, 48, of Wilmington, Del. They announced they have obtained a warrant for her arrest.

Police reported that Ntaka also is wanted for fraud and theft in other states.

"Lansdale police have been in contact with other law enforcement agencies in an effort to coordinate the capture of Danna Ntaka and bring her to justice in Pennsylvania and the other states where she is wanted," Lansdale Sgt. Alex Kromdyk said.

The Lansdale woman, whom police identified as "C.W.," and her daughter met with Latka on Jan. 12 and gave her $1,200 to cover the security deposit, according to police. On Feb. 2, C.W. gave Ntaka another $2,400 for two months rent, police said.

C.W. signed a one-year lease with "Dr. McKellar" on Feb. 28, and her daughter moved into the home March 1. Four days later, a natural gas leak at the house brought out so many people that the deception was revealed, police said.

During the gas leak, C.W. phoned Ntaka, who advised her to call the PSEG company for a technician to repair the kitchen stove, police said. PSEG is a New Jersey energy company.

"C.W. became increasingly suspicious because she knew Peco serviced the Lansdale area, not PSEG," police said. "C.W. subsequently called 911 to report the gas leak.

"The arrival of numerous emergency service personnel caused a longtime neighbor to notify the legitimate property owner of the Green Street residence, who in turn responded to the house," police said.

Police said they found their suspect's maiden name was Danna McKellar, but her married name is Danna Ntaka. She has used various aliases, birth dates and Social Security numbers, police said.

The Lansdale woman and her daughter on Wednesday identified Ntaka as the person they originally believed was Dr. McKellar, police said. Police did not say how the identification was made.

Lansdale police said the woman had early warning signs of a scam. When she applied for electrical service at the house, the Lansdale Electric Department told her Danna McKellar was not the homeowner.